Reporters Committee condemns video depicting violence against news media

On Oct. 13, the New York Times reported that an animated video depicting President Trump “shooting, stabbing and brutally assaulting members of the news media and his political opponents” was shown at a conference for the president’s supporters at the Trump National Doral Miami. The video shows the president’s head superimposed on the body of a man attacking individuals who have the logos of media organizations superimposed on their bodies.

Bruce Brown, executive director of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, made the following statement:

“We are sickened that the president’s supporters would turn to advocating violence against reporters and the news media. Our free press plays a fundamental role in American democracy, but the climate is increasingly dangerous for journalists working to keep us all informed.

“The president must not only denounce this horrifying video, but also put an end to rhetoric that’s contributed to an environment here in the United States where journalists are threatened, harassed, and physically attacked.”

The Reporters Committee regularly files friend-of-the-court briefs and its attorneys represent journalists and news organizations pro bono in court cases that involve First Amendment freedoms, the newsgathering rights of journalists and access to public information. Stay up-to-date on our work by signing up for our monthly newsletter and following us on Twitter or Instagram.